Cleveland fall fitness event round up

Clevelanders endured a hot, dry and often oppressive summer. More than 25 days peaked at temperatures over 90 degrees and drove a lot of outdoor fitness enthusiasts inside in search of some relief. With the approach of fall many are hoping for relief from the humidity and heat and a chance to enjoy being outside again. Cleveland has a number of outdoor events planned this fall as we mark the changing of the seasons.

River Run Half Marathon Road RaceSeptember 9, 2012The 13th Annual River Run Half Marathon Road Race offers participants a beautiful, certified course through the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. The course, which starts and ends at Wallace Lake in Berea, is scenic, smooth and relatively flat. The Jennifer Ferchill Foundation and the Cleveland West Roadrunners are beneficiaries for the River Run Half Marathon. You can register online here.

Ledge to Lake Adventure RaceSeptember 22, 2012Adults and children 14 and older can challenge their skills is this race around Cleveland Metroparks’ Hinckley Reservation. Participants run on the bridle trail for 3 miles, kayak 2 miles around Hinckley Lake then finish with a 9-miles road bike ride. The race starts and ends at the Spillway Picnic Area at Hinckley Lake in Hinckley. You can register online here. For more information, contact IGO at 216-341-1704.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Mile Fitness HikeSeptember 30, 2012Join a naturalist for a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-mile fitness hike along the Creek and Highline Trails at Big Creek Park. Participants should have the ability to walk at least 1 mile with some hills. This free event, held rain or shine, is presented by the Geauga Park District.Registration is not required. You can view more details here.

Towpath Marathon, Half Marathon and 10KOctober 7, 2012The Ohio Canal Corridor will host the 21st annual Towpath Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The event showcases beautiful segments of the historic Towpath Trail located between Akron and Cleveland. The Towpath Marathon is one of few marathons that take place in a national park. All proceeds from the event benefit Ohio Canal Corridor, an organization actively developing and participating in a variety of events and projects to preserve, promote and educate the public about the area surrounding one of Northeast Ohio’s most valuable resources – our park system along the Ohio Canal. The course for the Towpath Marathon is flat, with a crushed limestone surface along the majority of the run. The timing of the event coincides with the changing fall foliage. Click here to register online.

MidTown Cleveland Health Line ClassicOctober 13, 2012The 5K and 10K races begin and end in the heart of MidTown at Prospect Avenue and Prospect Road. The course will run along historic Prospect Avenue and Euclid Avenue showcasing the new development and notable building along the rapid transit HeathLine.Click here to register online.